Cross River to unveil beach resort as major tourism and economic diversification drive

CROSS River State governor Ben Ayade has announced plans to build a beach resort in Calabar as part of ongoing efforts to diversify the state's economy and turning it into a major international tourist location.

 

Keen to diversify the Cross River State economy, Governor Ayade has already announced numerous ambitious initiatives since assuming office in May last year. Among his projects have included the construction of a purpose built town dedicated to rice production to be known as Rice City and getting Chinese heavy vehicle manufacturer Sino Truck to establish an assembly plant in the state capital Calabar.

 

He also plans to float a state-owned airline to be known as Cally Air as part of an ambitious tourism investment drive aimed wooing international visitors. Speaking during the inspection of Nsidung Beach in Calabar South Local Government Area of the state, Governor Ayade disclosed that construction work on the new beach resort will start this month.

 

Governor Ayade added: “It is obvious that as Cross River State continues to blaze the trail in tourism, we must develop our waterfronts in such a way that we find maximum value. Funding for the project had been secured with a team of investors already setting aside $3m for the project.

 

He added that the resort will complement the 2016 Calabar Carnival, hinting that a boat regatta could be in this year’s calendar. In addition, Governor Ayade who unveiled a resettlement plan for the residents of the waterfront, said they would be rehoused.

“I do not believe in the demolition of any property without adequate compensation. It could have been any of us in that slum,” Governor Ayade added.

 

Announcing deputy governor Ivara Esu as the desk officer for the project, Governor Ayade said that government will provide houses under its social housing scheme for those that will be relocated from the waterfront. He added that the social housing scheme planned for the slum dwellers will show the sensibility, sensitivity, softness and care expected of a responsible government.

 

Governor Ayade also announced a partnership between Calabar and the city of Dortmund in Germany with the aim of building houses that are dependent on renewable energy source for the displaced people of Bakassi. Cross River State already owns the Tinapa Resort, a major tourist attraction and is seeking to position itself as Nigeria's tourist Mecca.